Human Trafficking is the evolution of the old slave trade.
Like its ancestor treats human beings as a commodity; to buy, sell and exploit.
Criminal organizations leverage on naivety or despair of the victims, who see in the promise of a secure job and a better life, a new chance.
What is Human Trafficking?
Art. 3 of the Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons defines trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse, of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving and receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control of another one, for the purpose of exploitation.
The elements of Human Trafficking
On the basis of the definition given in the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, it is evident that trafficking in persons has three constituent elements;
The Act (what is done);
recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons
The Means (how it is done); threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
The Purpose (why it is done); for the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
United Nations
On the 23 September 2003, entered into force the Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
The Human Rights Council, in 2004, created the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children;
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
The Means (how it is done); threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
The Purpose (why it is done); for the purpose of exploitation, which includes exploiting the prostitution of others, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or similar practices and the removal of organs.
Actions around the world
As soon as human trafficking is a global issue, some actions, from different actors, have been developed all around the world in order to raise awareness,
provide instruments to prevent,
protect and assist victims.
United Nations
On the 23 September 2003, entered into force the Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
The Human Rights Council, in 2004, created the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children;
Special Rapporteur visit in Italy, 12-20 September 2013:
Special Rapporteur Country Visit - Italy (first video)
(A/HRC/26/37/Add.4 available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese and Russian)
European Union
At the EU level there are different agencies that are tackling the issues of Human Trafficking. The main guidelines for States are enshrined in the Directive on trafficking in human beings, that was adopted on 21 March 2011; and in the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings, adopted in 2012.
Council Of Europe
In Europe there is also the Council of Europe that, as independent regional organisation, provides guidelines to the State parties.
Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, entered into force on 1 February 2008; aims to prevent trafficking in human beings, protect victims of trafficking, prosecute traffickers, and promote co-ordination of national actions and international co-operation.
Action against Trafficking in Human Beings: GRETA Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
Action against Trafficking in Human Beings: GRETA Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
Vatican
Within weeks of assuming office, during the summer of 2013 Pope Francis wrote to the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Msgr. Marcelo Sánchez Sorondo, making a radical suggestion:
" Marcelo, I think it would be good to examine
human trafficking and modern slavery.
Organ trafficking could be examined
in connection with human trafficking.
Many thanks, Francis "
This is how the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences began studying Modern Slavery to define the conditions under which this practice – as an affront to human dignity – can be rendered unsustainable.
Since then, the two Academies have held a series of events that have already had a notable social impact within and outside the Church to #EndSlavery forever.
4 December 2014: Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery
Upcoming event: "Real Love Chases Away Fear, Greed and Slavery" Youth Symposium 7-8 November 2015
4 December 2014: Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery
Upcoming event: "Real Love Chases Away Fear, Greed and Slavery" Youth Symposium 7-8 November 2015
Summing up
Trafficking in persons is a phenomenon, with features not yet fully recognized. There are not sufficient sources that are able to accurately identify data on trafficking in persons; nor with regard to the numerical size of the phenomenon, nor with respect to the methods used by criminal organizations.
This difficulty is due to the main feature of the phenomenon; its constant mutability.
Changes in means of transport, places of destination and in ways to abduct victims are happening at a really fast rate; in order to adapt to the changing of laws of States in which trafficking occurs.
The market of people always fits in with outstanding flexibility.
For this reason research and contiuous attention, on its evolution, are at the basis for the repression of the phenomenon. Moreover, legal instruments capable of, on the one hand, to tackle trafficking despite his sudden changes; and, on the other, to ensure the maximum protection of the rights and dignity of the victims.
What further actions and best practices States and international organisations can take, in order to fulfill the 3 "Ps" ; protect victims, prevent trafficking and prosecute perpetrators?
The civil society can play a key role in raising awareness and combating the phenomenon? In which ways?
Is the religious leaders commitment, somehow, helping to support the actions of religious movements and to draw further attention, also in the international community, on the issue of trafficking in human beings?
Many are the actors involved,
the instruments used to tackle
trafficking in persons can be different,
but the main goal is the same:
end Human Trafficking
What further actions and best practices States and international organisations can take, in order to fulfill the 3 "Ps" ; protect victims, prevent trafficking and prosecute perpetrators?
The civil society can play a key role in raising awareness and combating the phenomenon? In which ways?
Is the religious leaders commitment, somehow, helping to support the actions of religious movements and to draw further attention, also in the international community, on the issue of trafficking in human beings?
More sources:
US project: End Slavery Now
US Department of State: Trafficking in Persons Report 2015
Italian association: Slaves No More
We are really happy that you chose this topic. It's a little bit too long, but it's good that you put the summary and more sources for people who are interested in this subject.
ReplyDeleteVery interesing topic. Sometimes it's hard to realise that it is happening also in our countries. There are a lot of text and actually a little too long, but your graphics and videos make it easier to read. Is there anything that people like we can do for stopping that? Any organizations, NGO?
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic and for some shocking. Slavery has returned in an altered form. Although this is an extremely sad and difficult to listen I'm waiting for some stories based on facts. I love yours graphics and videos. Good job!:)
ReplyDeleteWell done! It is very clear and easy to understand for people who do not know so much about it! Questions at the end are very good. Thanks to them, we can stop for a moment and can think about the theme of this blog and about what is happening around us.
ReplyDelete